Tahoe City Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Inspiration Point Vista
Inspiration Point Vista
Emerald Bay State Park
D. L. Bliss State Park
Truckee featuring snow

Tahoe City Travel Guide Video

Explore the shores of this stunning alpine lake and get active on the mountain slopes, with plenty of beaches, nature parks, casinos and ski resorts to choose from.

With its mountainous backdrop and cobalt-blue water, Lake Tahoe is a striking sight. It’s situated in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, which makes it a magnet for winter-sports enthusiasts. When the snow melts, the crowds keep coming for summer activities. Choose between skiing, snowboarding, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking and much more. Holiday Makers will also enjoy fishing, fine dining, spa time or visiting a casino.Lake Tahoe has 72 miles (116 kilometres) of shoreline. It straddles the border of California (west) and Nevada (east) and is the second deepest lake in the United States. The sun shines most of the year and the snowfall averages 600 inches (15 metres) per year.Shuttle buses from Reno-Tahoe International Airport will bring you to all sides of the lake. The wider area is best explored by car, while the water shuttle is great for hopping between docks along the shores in summer. Sprawling forest reserves, such as Emerald Bay State Park, cover the Californian side of the lake. Tahoe City and Kings Beach offer good lake-side attractions. Nearby ski resorts are Squaw Valley Alpine Meadowsand Homewood Mountain. The Bavarian-style Sugar Bowl Resort is located near Truckee. Heavenly Mountain Resort in South Lake Tahoe spreads from California to Nevada and beats all the other resorts in size and attractions. The Nevada side of the lake has casinos and more resorts and beaches. In summer, swim at Sand Harbour or Zephyr Cove Beach. Lake Tahoe is a popular destination for its easy access, amazing scenery and year-round activities. Arrive early in the day and ride the slopes or kayak on the lake. By afternoon, try horseback riding or simply relax and read a book by the shore. In the evening, dine in one of the restaurants overlooking one of America’s most beautiful lakes.

Where to stay in Tahoe City

Picnic bench surrounded by snow at sunset in Lake Tahoe, California.

Dollar Point

While visiting Dollar Point, you might make a stop by sights like Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area and Tahoe City Field Station.

Dollar Point
Spent the weekend in Truckee, but stopped in Tahoe City on the way home. 

Lake waters have receded quite significantly, but the lake is clear and beautiful.

Downtown Tahoe City

If you're spending some time in Downtown Tahoe City, Tahoe City Marina and Tahoe State Recreation Area are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Tahoe City
Rocks at the lakeside

Lake Forest

While visiting Lake Forest, you might make a stop by sights like Tahoe City Field Station and Burton Creek Nature Preserve.

Lake Forest
Panoramic view of the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California with Lake Tahoe in the background, from the

Tahoe Park

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Tahoe Park and surrounding area, you can visit Granlibakken Resort Ski Area and Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park.

Tahoe Park
Tahoe Tavern Heights

Tahoe Tavern Heights

Though Tahoe Tavern Heights may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Granlibakken Resort Ski Area and Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park.

Tahoe Tavern Heights
Super legit meadow not far off highway 89. Big meadow trail head on the way to multiple lakes. Really relaxing spot. #tahoe

Pineland

Though Pineland may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Granlibakken Resort Ski Area and Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park.

Pineland
evo Hotel Tahoe City

evo Hotel Tahoe City

4 out of 5
455 N Lake Blvd Tahoe City CA
The price is AU$291 per night from 29 Jan to 30 Jan
AU$291
29 Jan - 30 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Tahoe City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Palisades Tahoe and Northstar California Resort ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (270 reviews)
.

Reviewed on 22 Jan 2026

evo Hotel Tahoe City
Pepper Tree Inn

Pepper Tree Inn

3 out of 5
645 N Lake Blvd Tahoe City CA
Stay at this motel in Tahoe City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
Was just single night stay over and comfortable and clean for me and my two kids.

Reviewed on 22 Jan 2026

Pepper Tree Inn
Basecamp Tahoe City

Basecamp Tahoe City

3 out of 5
955 North Lake Blvd Tahoe City CA
Stay at this business-friendly motel in Tahoe City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fireplace in reception. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (861 reviews)
Parking was easy, room was very clean, customer service was fantastic! Next time we come through we will be staying again!

Reviewed on 22 Jan 2026

Basecamp Tahoe City
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Fabulous Cabin Block away from<br>Private Beach

Fabulous Cabin Block away from<br>Private Beach

Tahoe City CA
Stay at this cabin in Tahoe City. Enjoy a sauna, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Palisades Tahoe and Granlibakken Resort Ski Area are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (143 reviews)
Very nice house. Lots of parking for our 3 vehicles. The kitchen was very well appointed and we were able to cook our meals for 6 people with ease. Comfy beds! I would call the property 'pet tolerant.' Friendly neighbor dogs roam free which our dogs did not appreciate. It is RIGHT ON the busy highway ...

Reviewed on 22 Sept 2025

Fabulous Cabin Block away from<br>Private Beach
Rustic Lake Front Family Cabin with Beautiful Views

Rustic Lake Front Family Cabin with Beautiful Views

Carnelian Bay CA
Stay at this cabin in Tahoe City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Northstar California Resort and Hwy 28 at Old County Rd ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (34 reviews)
second year in a row and just as charming the lake just keeps looking better

Reviewed on 4 Jan 2026

Rustic Lake Front Family Cabin with Beautiful Views
Lakefront Retreat in Tahoe City- large home in Dollar Point

Lakefront Retreat in Tahoe City- large home in Dollar Point

Tahoe City CA
Stay at this holiday home in Tahoe City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Northstar California Resort and Skylandia ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (12 reviews)
Wonderful home in an even more wonderful location.

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2025

Lakefront Retreat in Tahoe City- large home in Dollar Point
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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